Healthcare Guidelines For Men

Routine activities for men to ensure good health

These charts provide general healthcare guidelines for men, but are not meant to replace any advice and guidance given by your physician. Please use them as a reminder to take care of your personal healthcare needs, and also as a list of topics you may want to discuss with your physician.

Each Day

Each Month

Each Year

Other

Exercise 30 minutes (at least 5 days each week).

Perform a testicular self-examination.

Have a dental checkup once or twice a year.

After age 20: every 5 years have a full lipid profile test for cholesterol and triglycerides.

Protect yourself from the sun -- use sunscreen and dress appropriately.

Perform an oral cavity self-examination -- gums, teeth, lips, tongue.

After age 50:have a physical examination by your physician.

Every 3 yearsafter age 30:have a physical examination by your physician.

Be aware of your alcohol intake. Limit yourself to no more than two drinks per day.

Be aware of your weight -- check your BMI (body mass index).

After age 50: have a flu shot yearly.

The importance of preventive healthcare

According to information found in the Congressional Record (S.J. Res. 179):

Significant numbers of male-related health problems such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, infertility, and colon cancer could be detected and treated if more men were aware of these problems and what can be done to prevent them, or find them early when they are easier to treat. Educating both the public and healthcare providers about the importance of early detection of male health problems will result in reducing rates of mortality for these diseases.

Many men are reluctant to visit their health center or physician for regular screening examinations of male-related problems for a variety of reasons including fear, lack of information, and cost. Men who are educated about the value that preventive health care can play in prolonging their lifespan and their role as a productive family member will be more likely to participate in health screenings.